Interview by Olympic Channel

Interviewer: After the Paris Olympics, you went through a bit of a slump. Looking back, what do you think was the main reason?

WCQ: At that time, I didn’t really have a clear direction for my future or a clear mindset toward competition. After the Paris Olympics, I really wanted to take a proper break and reset, but I never got that chance. Instead, I went through a period of ups and downs. And to be honest, the downs stuck with me more, I blamed myself a lot in those moments.

When you were in that kind of phase, nothing felt worth doing. No matter what you tried, you just couldn’t get into it because you were trapped in negativity. You didn’t have the mindset to pull yourself out or find that spark to get back on track. What finally got me to snap out of it was losing so much that I felt like I couldn’t lose anymore. At that point, I had no choice but to go all out and focus on every step.

Table tennis is a sport that comes down to split-second reactions. If you hesitate for even a second or aren’t decisive enough, you give your opponent the chance to take control. Sometimes, in a match, when you’re behind in the score and your mindset isn’t strong enough, it is really hard to turn things around. You don’t always have that inner voice telling you, “Take it one point at a time. There’s still a chance.” Back then, I just felt completely broken mentally.

Interviewer: Now that you have experienced the Olympics, what motivates you for the next Olympic period?

WCQ: My first Olympics was actually in Tokyo, but I was just an alternate player, and never got to play. I wouldn’t even count that as participating. I was mostly there as a practice partner for the team and watching from the stands.

This time in Paris… really went through quite a lot. Looking ahead, the big goal is obviously the LA Olympics. But over the next four years, there will be a lot of other competitions, big and small. The only way to truly build confidence for LA is to keep competing, keep improving, and see yourself growing through your results. It is also about feeling that your approach to competition has evolved and matured over time. Only then will I feel ready for LA, and only then will others trust that I am ready to take on that stage.

Interviewer: Is there a particular moment when playing table tennis makes you really happy?

WCQ: Honestly, every moment. Whether I win or lose.

Table tennis brings out emotions, good or bad. Even the tough emotions can turn into motivation, pushing you to improve. And when you do get better, that brings happiness because you know, “All my efforts paid off.” That’s why I consider it a sport that constantly pushes you forward.

Interviewer: Looking back at all the gifts you have received, is there one that holds special meaning for you?

WCQ: Definitely the letter my mom wrote me when I turned 18. I still read it a lot, and it always moves me.

Everyone has their own struggles, and when I look back on what she wrote—how much she missed me and the memories she shared—I can’t help but get emotional. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in such a loving and supportive family. They’ve given me the right values and perspective on life, which I’ll always be grateful for.